Kindle Paperwhite: Pre-Order Now Available

The new Kindle Paperwhite is now available for pre-order. The details were mistakenly posted this morning on Amazon’s website.

The information was removed. However, the details were saved and shared through several forums. The leak prompted Amazon to repost the information and make an official announcement.

The new Kindle features improved contrast and lighting, a faster processor, and a more responsive touch screen.

It will also include Kindle Page Flip, which allows readers search through the text, and Smart Lookup, which includes a dictionary and access to Wikipedia.

As reported by Tech Crunch, the newest Kindle is compatible with Goodreads. Integration with Goodreads will allow readers to share reading lists, highlights, reviews, and ratings, through social media.

The Kindle Paperwhite will also include Kindle FreeTime, which helps children focus on learning activities. The software blocks applications and material with no educational value.

Kindle FreeTime also tracks children’s reading progress. Children can set goals and receive awards based in their reading habits.

Goodreads integration and Kindle Free Time are both listed as “Coming Soon.” They will likely be available for download at a later time.

Despite the changes, the new Kindle case and screen look exactly the same.

Readers will be happy to see that the price has not changed. The new Kindle Paperwhite will retail at around $120 with advertisements and $140 without.

The next-generation Kindle Paperwhite was reviewed by The Verge. The review states that the changes were subtle, but they made a big difference.

They specifically noted the improved speed, readability, and navigation, concluding that the new Kindle is the “finest e-reader [they have] ever used.”

Amazon’s official statement says that the next-generation Kindle will begin shipping on September 30. Pre-orders are now available to US residents only.

The Kindle Paperwhite is not much different from the previous version. However, the small changes seem to appeal to those who enjoy reading.